in ornithology. See Fringilla.—It is remarkable of this bird, that when it builds in hedges, and when in firze-bushes on heaths, in both which places the nests are very common, they are made of very different materials. When they build in hedges, they use the slender filaments of the roots of trees, and the down of feathers and thistles; but when they build on heaths, they use moss, principally for the outer part, finishing it within with such things as the place will afford. These birds will have young ones three or four times a-year, especially if they are taken away before they are able to leave the nests.

When linnets are to be taught to whistle tunes, or to imitate the notes of any other bird, they must be taken from the old one when they are not above four days old; for at this time they have no idea of the note of the old ones, and will be readily taught to modulate their voice like any thing that is most familiar to their ears, and within the compass of their throats. More care is required in feeding them when taken thus young, than when they are left in the nest till nearly fledged; but they will be reared very well upon a food half bread and half rape seed boiled and bruised: this must be given them several times a-day. It must be made fresh every day, and given them sufficiently moist, but not in the extreme. If it be in the least sour, it gripes and kills them; and if too stiff, it is as mischievous by binding them up.—They must be hung up as soon as taken from the nest, under the bird whose note they are intended to learn; or, if they are to be taught to whistle tunes, it must be done by giving them lessons at the time of feeding; for they will profit more, while young, in a few days, than in a long time afterwards, and will take in the whole method of their notes before they are able to crack hard feeds. Some have attempted to learn them to speak in the manner of the parrot or other birds; and they will arrive at some sort of perfection in it, with great pains.